1608 days ago

80-year-old retail veteran yet to face a dull day after 64 years in the industry

Jake Kenny Reporter from Community News

Happy Tuesday neighbours,

When 80-year-old Barry Souter landed his first job in a clothing store 64 years ago, the retail industry looked a lot different.

Customers were not able to browse the shelves but had to ask for clothes to be brought out from behind the counter. When a sale was made, Souter had to handwrite the sale docket. And stock-taking was very much a manual task.

But through all the changes, Souter has never stopped having fun. “It’s the people that make it. Human interaction is what keeps us all going.”

Souter’s first job was at Hallensteins in Dunedin when he was 16, and he worked for Munns in Christchurch for a long time before opening his own business in Bishopdale nearly a decade ago.

Click 'Read more' below for the full story.

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More messages from your neighbours
5 days ago

A Neighbourly Riddle! Don’t Overthink It… Or Do?😜

The Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post if you know the answer and the big reveal will be posted in the comments at 2pm on the day!

If you multiply this number by any other number, the answer will always be the same. What number is this?

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4 days ago

Poll: Should the government levy industries that contribute to financial hardship?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

As reported in the Post, there’s a $30 million funding gap in financial mentoring. This has led to services closing and mentors stepping in unpaid just to keep helping people in need 🪙💰🪙

One proposed solution? Small levies on industries that profit from financial hardship — like banks, casinos, and similar companies.

So we want to hear what you think:
Should the government ask these industries to contribute?

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Should the government levy industries that contribute to financial hardship?
  • 58.9% Yes, supporting people is important!
    58.9% Complete
  • 26.3% No, individuals should take responsibility
    26.3% Complete
  • 14.8% ... It is complicated
    14.8% Complete
857 votes
11 days ago

Have you got New Zealand's best shed? Show us and win!

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Once again, Resene and NZ Gardener are on the hunt for New Zealand’s best shed! Send in the photos and the stories behind your man caves, she sheds, clever upcycled spaces, potty potting sheds and colourful chicken coops. The Resene Shed of the Year 2026 winner receives $1000 Resene ColorShop voucher, a $908 large Vegepod Starter Pack and a one-year subscription to NZ Gardener. To enter, tell us in writing (no more than 500 words) why your garden shed is New Zealand’s best, and send up to five high-quality photos by email to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz. Entries close February 23, 2026.

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